Recommended Weight Distribution For 8800lb Boat and Trailer

Updated 03/24/2016 | Published 03/21/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(25)

$225.38

Question:

I read with interest an question by another customer. He stated that his boat weigh 9,000lbs total gear and all. He also stated he towed with a 2013 Ram 1500 with a hemi as if that makes any difference. What puzzled me was his statement that the owners manual stated he could tow 9,952lbs. I dont think so. Maximum Combined Vehicle Weight for his truck is 14,000lbs. His truck would have to weigh ONLYinch 4,048lbs. No Ram truck weighs in that light. But your answer was the RP66155. Stating that the tongue weight of 880lbs, boat weight of 9,000lbs and Surge Brakes would work for this application. So my question. I have a 2005 Silverado 1500 with a 6.0L. Same specs across the board. Boat and trailer 8,800lbs. Tongue weight 900lbs. Same CGVW of 14,000lbs. I assume the RP66155 will work for my situation as well. I tow only 20 miles from storage to marina in the spring, and back in the fall. Towing speeds are 50mph or less... Can you confirm it will work?? Thanks in advance

asked by: Allen A

Expert Reply:

The Reese Steadi-Flex weight distribution system you referenced, part # RP66560 is rated for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 600-1200 lbs. If the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer (plus the weight of anything stowed in the truck bed behind the rear axle) falls within that range, the # RP66560 would work well for you. You'll also need a pole tongue adapter, part # RP58393.

As far as the towing capacity of the truck goes, you'd need to subtract the GVW from the GCWR. The result is the weight of the heaviest trailer you can tow. If the route between where you store your boat and the marina isn't very hilly, you should be okay but you'd be assuming the risk of damaging your truck by exceeding its towing capacity.

expert reply by: Mike L